Bubble wrap or LDPE warp film is made from a thin, soft plastic called No. 4 low-density polyethylene film (LDPE), a plastic film with many small bubbles that provide cushioning and protection. It is widely used in the packaging industry to wrap fragile items, such as glassware, electronics, etc., to minimize the damage that can be caused by collisions and vibrations during transportation and handling.

Bubble wrap is made by heating resin beads until they are mixed together to form a film. The plastic film is rolled flat to form the substrate for the bubble wrap. A roller punches small holes in the flattened plastic and then a vacuum is used to inject air into the holes. This creates a unique design of small or large air bubbles. A second layer of plastic film seals the air bubbles. Finally, the bubble wrap is cut and rolled. From large bubble rolls to small bubble wrap bags, bubble wrap bags are remarkably effective at protecting fragile items. Whether used for storage, packaging or protection, the air-filled bubble design ensures that items in transit are delivered safely to customers. There is even anti-static bubble wrap on the market. This bubble wrap contains a special bubble additive that prevents static buildup and ensures that electrical products are fully protected during transportation.

More than 11 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year. Of this, 46% is low density polyethylene film, plastic bags, cling film and bubble wrap. Although this type of plastic can be recycled, figures show that over 240,000 miles of bubble wrap are produced in the UK each year and only 9% of this plastic makes it to the correct recycling facility for recycling. Bubble wrap, in particular, poses a number of environmental threats if not disposed of correctly, such as leaching toxins into soil and water sources as it decomposes. Clogging up landfills and blocking the natural bacterial processes that help the contents break down. Releasing chemicals into the air when burned in incinerators.

As people become more aware of the detrimental effects of plastics on the ecosystem, it is now more important than ever for people to ensure that they recycle as much plastic as possible and explore alternative materials. However, despite its popularity, there is still considerable confusion about whether bubble wrap can be recycled. The good news is that you can recycle bubble wrap. But it's not always as simple as throwing it in the recycling bin.

Bubble wrap is made from the same plastic as cling film and plastic bags. This thin, flexible and strong plastic can be tricky for standard recycling facilities to handle as it can easily get stuck in machines and cause damage to the equipment. The best way to recycle bubble wrap is to dispose of it through a waste disposal company so that it can be sorted efficiently and correctly.

First, in common neighborhoods, check with your local council to find out what types of bags and plastic wrap they recycle. If they can't recycle bubble wrap, the next best option is to go to the nearest large supermarket. Most supermarkets now offer in-store soft plastic recycling points. Since the launch of the in-store collection points in 2021, Sainsbury's has reported collecting 18 tons of plastic waste from customers every month.

At the corporate level, companies can work with waste and recycling facilities to ensure full accountability for bubble wrap recycling.GREENMAX offers waste balers that can store large quantities of plastic while taking up minimal space. These balers can be easily collected and transported to our recycling facilities where they are recycled through a specialized process.

It is important to note that whether you are recycling in a residential or commercial area, if your bubble wrap is attached to other materials, it is important to separate the individual items to prevent contamination. For example, bubble wrap pouches contain paper or card with a bubble wrap lining and some postal stickers on the outer layer. All of these items need to be removed and recycled separately.

At GREENMAX, we are committed to helping businesses embrace a more circular economy by exploring ways to eliminate waste and pollution, conserve raw materials, and rebuild and restore ecosystems. Please help us build a greener future by ensuring that as much bubble wrap as possible is recycled, not just landfilled. We'd love to work with you to understand your unique and complex waste streams and provide you with a customized service through a single-supplier solution.